Concentrating Plant Design — Capital and Operating Costs

Abstract

Present design of concentrating plants is briefly dealt with, emphasizing the different factors which seem to be most important in these days of high labour costs and reduced availability of low-cost energy. Such items as autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding, two-stage classification, large flotation cells, pressure filtration, etc., are particularly discussed. Recent examples of small lead-zinc selective flotation plants, as well as big porphyry copper mills are described.

Methods for capital cost evaluation are surveyed according to generally accepted procedures; relationship with flowsheeting and mill design and their constant interrelations are specially pointed out.

Distribution of operating costs is indicated on the basis of processes and elements, and a few examples are fully detailed.

Reference is made to the scarce published papers which include the different above-mentioned topics.